Inflatable barricade and snow collection method

ABSTRACT

An inflatable chamber is secured to the ground to provide both a collection point for snow and a resilient barricade. The chamber may contain a light-weight and flexible metal or plastic support frame to provide increased strength or to hold a desired shape upon inflation. One or more longitudinally disposed flaps are preferably used with attached means for aiding in the securement of the chamber to the ground. Snow collection methods and ski slopes involving one or more inflatable barricades are also disclosed.

BACKGROUND

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention relates in general to the field of recreationalfences or barriers and more particularly to an inflatable barricadeuseful in collecting snow on a ski slope.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] According to the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), 7.4million skiers and 3.6 million snowboarders with a combined total of52.2 million total visits to ski areas occurred in the United Statesduring the 1999-2000 season. In order to meet this demand, ski areasobviously have a strong interest in providing good ski conditions for aslong as possible during each season. Often, man-made snow is relied uponto provide coverage in many areas. Moreover, even when mother naturedoes provide ample snow, wind and terrain features will often lead tounequal distribution of snow or bare spots on a slope or along a trail.

[0005] In addition to improving ski conditions and providing adequatesnow coverage for slopes and trails, ski areas are constantly looking toimprove safety and to prevent skiing-related injuries. In a typical yearthere are at least 135,000 “medically significant” (i.e., injuriesrequiring medical attention and the cessation of skiing for at least oneday) snow sport injuries in the United States. However, because manystudies estimate that up to 40% of all injuries go unreported, there maybe as many as 500,000 skiing-related injuries each year. Many of theseinjuries involve collisions with trees or other obstacles. Thus, itwould be desirable to provide an apparatus and method for improving thesafety and snow coverage of ski areas.

[0006] While several inventions have addressed one of these issues orthe other, none are known to be employed for both slope safety andimproved snow coverage. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,774,777 issued toBrochu et al. describes a method of covering snow such that it can beconserved and repositioned over a slope for skiing without the need fornatural or man-made snow early in the skiing season.

[0007] Essentially, the Brochu et al. method comprises the steps ofclosing the selected slope in the late winter or early spring whilethere is still adequate snow cover, concentrating existing snow by handor machine into a series of piles over the entire length of the slope,covering the piles of snow with sheets of insulating material,uncovering the snow when the weather permits one to do so withingsignificant melting, and redistributing the conserved snow by handand/or machine over the selected areas of the slope. While this methodmay allow one to improve snow coverage for early season skiing, it doesnothing to prevent collision-related injuries. Moreover, this method canonly preserve snow and is not practical to use for the collection orconcentration of snow during the skiing season.

[0008] Similarly, net-like recreation area boundaries, such as the fencedisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,394,927 by Huebner, provide an apparatusthat may be used to cordon off a trail from trees and other objects.However, Huebner's netting material does nothing to trap or conservesnow for redistribution over a skiing area. Moreover, fence-likebarriers typically are rigid or do not absorb force well, potentiallycausing significant injuries that result from the impact of a collision.Thus, there is still a need in the art for an apparatus and method thattraps or collects snow while also providing a barricade that lessens therisk of injury resulting from collisions with objects or leaving asafely maintained area.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The invention relates in general to an inflatable chamber thatcollects snow during a snowstorm or man-made snow from snow-makingequipment. More specifically, the invention provides in one embodimentan inflatable chamber that is secured to the ground to provide both acollection point for snow and a resilient barricade. The chamber maythen be deflated and removed to allow redistribution of the snow and useof the chamber elsewhere or kept in place as a safety barrier.Preferably, the chamber of the invention contains light-weight andflexible metal or plastic support frame to provide increased strength orto hold a desired shape upon inflation. The preferred chamber alsopossesses one or more longitudinally disposed flaps with attached meansfor securing the chamber to the ground.

[0010] Thus, it is a primary objective of the invention to provide aninflatable chamber that traps or collects snow for redistribution orlater use.

[0011] Further, an object of the invention is to provide an inflatablechamber that acts as a safety barrier.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide a snow collectingdevice and method that does not require the labor or material needed tocover snow with an insulating material.

[0013] Still another object of the invention is to provide a snowcollecting method that is adaptable to different weather conditions andterrain.

[0014] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a safetybarricade/snow collecting device that is highly portable and easy to usewith or without a towing vehicle, such as a snowmobile.

[0015] An additional object of the invention is to provide a safetybarricade/snow collecting device that is economical to produce andinexpensive to utilize.

[0016] In accordance with these and other objects there is provided newand improved snow collecting apparatus and method for use in ski areas,which is also for use generally wherever a flexible yet resilient safetybarrier would be desirable. Furthermore, a new and improved skiing areacontaining inflatable, snow-covered barricades is provided.

[0017] Various other purposes and advantages of the invention willbecome clear from its description in the specification that follows.Therefore, to the accomplishment of the objectives described above, thisinvention includes the features hereinafter fully described in thedetailed description of the preferred embodiments, and particularlypointed out in the claims. However, such description discloses only someof the various ways in which the invention may be practiced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018]FIG. 1 is a top view of an embodiment of the invention being towedby an all-terrain vehicle.

[0019]FIG. 2 depicts the embodiment of FIG. 1 as it undergoes inflation.

[0020]FIG. 3 shows in cross-section the embodiment of FIG. 2 taken alongline 3-3.

[0021]FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of a preferred securing rod ofthe invention.

[0022]FIG. 4B is a front perspective view of a stake-like securing rodplaced through a loop attached to the inflatable chamber of theinvention.

[0023]FIG. 4C is a front perspective view of a flag pole-like securingrod of the invention.

[0024]FIG. 5 depicts in a partially cut-out perspective view a preferredembodiment of the invention.

[0025]FIG. 6 is a partially cut-out perspective view of anotherembodiment of the invention.

[0026]FIG. 7 is a partially cut-out perspective view of amulti-chambered embodiment of the invention.

[0027]FIG. 8 is a top perspective view illustrating a method of snowcollection utilizing the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] The invention relates in general to an inflatable chamber thatprovides both a safety barrier and a method of collecting snow usefulfor a variety of purposes. More specifically, in one embodiment of theinvention, an inflatable chamber having two air-tight seams isintegrally formed from a single piece of material, such as rubber orvinyl. In other embodiments of the invention, an inflatable chambercontaining a support frame to assist the chamber in forming andmaintaining a particular geometric shape is provided. An additionalembodiment features a multiple-chamber barricade. Means for securing theinflatable chamber to the ground is provided in the form of, forexample, rods that fit through openings in belts or flaps attached tothe chamber or separate components (such as cables) that are placed overthe chamber.

[0029] Turning to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of the barricade 2 is shownbeing towed to a desired location by an all-terrain vehicle 4. Thebarricade 2 includes an inflatable, elongated chamber 6 that is inflatedthrough valve 7 and a means for securing chamber 6 to the ground 8,which, in this particular embodiment, is a plurality of belts 10 havinga grommet 12 at each end. A fastener (not shown), including but notlimited to a variety of rods, poles, stakes, ice screws, hooks, andbolts, is then placed through the grommet 12 to secure the chamber inplace. The belts 10 may be glued, bonded, sewn or otherwise attached tothe chamber 6 as long as the chamber remains air tight.

[0030] In FIG. 2, the barricade 2 of FIG. 1 is being inflated throughvalve 7 with a hose 14 attached to a compressor on the vehicle 4.Inflating the chamber 6 serves at least two important functions. First,the resilient cushion of air that is formed upon inflation provides animproved safety barrier. Depending upon the size of the inflatedchamber, this barrier may be used to redirect or soften the approach ofone who strays “out-of-bounds” or into an area of danger. In a skiingcontext, such a barrier provides a practical way to gently “rein-in”children on beginner slopes as well as to lessen the chances of injuriesresulting from skiers hitting barricades at high velocities. Second, theincreased surface area of the inflated chamber coupled with the abilityto deflate and remove the same provides an ideal method for collectingsnow (as illustrated in FIG. 8 and described below).

[0031] Turning to FIG. 3, the filly inflated barricade 2 of FIG. 2 isseen in cross-section along line 3-3 in the direction indicated by thearrows. As shown, the elongated chamber 6 assumes a substantiallycylindrical shape upon inflation in this embodiment. The grommets 12 onbelt 10 can then be easily fastened to the ground 8 with implements suchas those pictured in FIGS. 4A-4C.

[0032] In FIG. 4A, a particularly preferred rod 16 for securing abarricade of the invention to the ground includes a shaft 18 thatfeatures a stop collar 20 and a threaded screw-like portion 22 at thebottom end. The top end 24 of shaft 18 is substantially flat, allowingrod 16 to be driven into the ground if desired. Alternatively, the rod16 may also be turned into the ground by hand using cross-bar 26.Preferably, the securing rod is made from a hard plastic, however anylightweight and durable material may be used. Depending on theapplication, the height and color of the securing rod may vary. Forexample, a rod that is brightly covered and taller than the barricadewould be desirable in applications in which the barricade is collectingsnow so its exact location can remain visible even after heavy snowfall. On the other hand, safety barrier applications would typicallycall for the securing rod to be very short in order to minimize injuryresulting from accidental contact.

[0033] In FIGS. 4B and 4C, alternative rods and means for securing anelongated, inflatable chamber to the ground are shown. One means forsecuring includes a stake 28 and loop 30 combination. The loop 30 isattached to the chamber 32 and provides a eye through which the stake 28is placed to anchor chamber 32 to the ground. Another securing rod 34features a flag-pole like design, with a shaft 36 having a pointedbottom end 38 and a flag 40 located near the top end. The flag-pole likerod 34 may be especially desirable for pinpointing the location of abarricade of the invention in heavy winter weather. However, it isimportant to recognize that, although not shown, other means forsecuring an inflatable barricade to the ground without using loops,belts with grommets, or flaps (e.g., chains or rope), may be used aloneor in combination with the implements described above.

[0034] Turning to FIG. 5, a semi-cylindrical barricade 42 implementationof the invention is shown. In this embodiment, the elongated, inflatablechamber 44 includes a first flap 46 and a second flap 47 disposedlongitudinally along edges 48 and 49, respectively. The flaps 46 and 47preferably contain holes 50 through which a securing rod 52 is placed toanchor barricade 42 to the ground. A stop collar 54 on securing rod 52helps to keep the flaps 46 and 47 (and thereby chamber 44) flush withthe ground. While this embodiment may be transported to a desiredlocation in its fully spread-out state, it is ideally suited to berolled on a hub such that deployment is accomplished simply by unrollingthe deflated chamber over a desired location. Preferably, a hand,mechanical, or electrical winch is employed to carry out the rolling andunrolling process.

[0035]FIG. 6 illustrates a triangular section barricade 56 of theinvention especially suitable for collecting snow. This embodimentincludes an inflatable chamber 58 having a longitudinally disposed flap60 attached along a bottom edge 61. As in previous embodiments, thechamber 58 is secured to the ground through one or more securing rods(not shown) placed in one or more holes 62. Although it is possible toconstruct a chamber that forms a triangular shape upon inflation,preferably the chamber is reinforced by a support frame, such ascarbon-fiber poles 64, to help maintain its shape in windy conditions orunder the weight of snow. The carbon poles 64 may be of the flexibletype commonly used to support smaller tents (e.g., backpacking tents).Moreover, the poles may be bonded to the surface of the chamber 58 orheld in place through sleeves, pockets, and the like.

[0036] In FIG. 7, an inflated, multiple-chamber embodiment of theinvention is depicted. A first semi-cylindrical chamber 66 havinglongitudinally disposed edge flaps 68 and 69 provides the foundation fora second triangular chamber 70. The two chambers 66 and 70 may either beindependently sealed from each other or segmented such that air flow inor out is shared. Of course, any number of individual chambers may beused to form a “single” elongated barricade. A flexible support frameincluding ribs 72 is formed by bonding ribs 72 to the surface ofchambers 66 and 70. Preferably, the ribs are composed of metal (such asaluminum) strips. Thus, the ribs 72 assist in maintaining a desiredgeometric shape upon inflation of the chambers and collapse upondeflation of the same.

[0037] Turning to FIG. 8, a preferred method of collecting snow usingbarricades of the invention is illustrated. Two barricades, 75 and 76,are positioned in parallel fashion. The elongated, inflatable chambers78 and 80 of each barricade are then inflated and secured to the groundwith securing rods 82 placed through holes 83 in flaps 84-87. While notshown, the flaps could be placed at the ends of the inflatable chambersin addition to, or instead of, along the length. Moreover, certainembodiments (e.g., cylindrical barricades) may have one or more flapsdisposed along one or more sides (rather then along edges).

[0038] While the weather conditions at the collection location mayrequire one to first secure each inflatable chamber in place beforeinflation, it should be recognized that the order in which the inflationand securing steps occur is not important. As a winter storm progresses,snow 90 is collected between chambers 78 and 80. For simplicity, onlysnow collected between the barricades is shown. However, snow can alsoaccumulate atop and on all sides of each barricade, forming a snow bankthat may be used in conjunction with the barricades as a barrier orharvested for grooming purposes upon barricade deflation and removal.

[0039] The invention, having been described above, may be betterunderstood by reference to an example. The following example is intendedfor illustration purposes only, and should not be construed as limitingthe scope of the invention in any way.

[0040] A SNOWCAT™-brand all-terrain vehicle or snowmobile transports thedeflated barricade along the surface of a ski slope to a desiredlocation. The deflated barricade is then deployed by positioning it onthe ground, installing the securing rods (or other means for securing)through holes in a flap attached to the inflatable chamber such that thebarricade is held in place. The number and type of rods installed wouldbe determined by the anticipated weather conditions—the windier theconditions, the more rods should be used. The tension of the barricadecan also be set by controlling how stretched the barricade is. A hose isthen connected to a valve of the inflatable chamber such that air can bepumped inside. Upon inflation of the chamber (or chambers), the hose isremoved and the valve sealed.

[0041] As natural snow falls (or as man-made snow is blown) across theski slope, the barricade(s) force snow to stop on its surface or dropnearby, creating a bank of snow that can partially or completely coverthe barricade. The end of the inflatable chamber can then be located sothat the valve is opened for deflation. After deflation, the means forsecuring are taken out and the barricade is removed from the snow bank.The accumulated snow is now ready to be groomed over bare spots or leftfor future use.

[0042] The invention is particularly well suited for snow collectionbecause snow tends to accumulate upon the inflated chamber (as well asbetween multiple inflated barriers). Otherwise, wind and otherconditions tend to disperse falling snow. Thus, snow that has beenconcentrated upon the inflated chamber can be “harvested” for coveringwind-swept bare spots as described above or protect structures (e.g.,doorways) from becoming obstructed by banks of snow. Moreover, the snowmay be left covering the inflated chamber to form an unique ski slopeboundary or barrier.

[0043] The inflatable chambers of the invention may be manufacturedusing existing tooling and technology as employed in, for example, thewaterbed industry. First, two flexible polyvinyl sheets (or adoubled-over single sheet) may be cut into any desirable shape for abarricade. Next, an electrically heated iron is used to seal thepolyvinyl in accordance with the desired shape. The temperature of theiron can be precisely controlled such that the vinyl pieces are fusedtogether, creating an air-tight seam so that the chamber may be inflatedthrough an added valve.

[0044] Various changes in the details and components that have beendescribed may be made by those skilled in the art within the principlesand scope of the invention herein described in the specification anddefined in the appended claims. Therefore, while the present inventionhas been shown and described herein in what is believed to be the mostpractical and preferred embodiments, it is recognized that departurescan be made therefrom within the scope of the invention, which is not tobe limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded thefull scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalentprocesses and products.

I claim:
 1. A protective barricade anchored to the ground, comprising:(a) an inflatable chamber; and (b) means for securing said inflatablechamber to said ground.
 2. The barricade of claim 1, wherein saidinflatable chamber forms a barricade that is substantially triangular incross-section when inflated.
 3. The barricade of claim 1, wherein saidinflatable chamber forms a barricade that is substantially circular orsemi-circular in cross-section when inflated.
 4. The barricade of claim1, wherein said inflatable, elongated chamber further includes a supportframe attached thereto.
 5. The barricade of claim 4, wherein saidsupport frame comprises carbon fiber poles.
 6. The barricade of claim 1,further including at least one flap disposed along an edge of saidinflatable chamber.
 7. The barricade of claim 6, wherein said means forsecuring comprises a securing rod placed through a hole in said at leastone flap.
 8. The barricade of claim 1, wherein said means for securingcomprise a rod placed through a loop or a grommet of a belt.
 9. Abarricade for trapping snow on the ground, comprising: (a) an inflatablechamber including a first flap and a second flap disposed along opposingsides of said inflatable chamber; and (b) means for securing saidinflatable chamber to said ground.
 10. The barricade of claim 9, whereinsaid means for securing comprises a rod disposed through at least oneaperture in said first and said second flaps.
 11. The barricade of claim9, wherein said inflatable chamber forms a barricade that issubstantially triangular in cross-section when inflated.
 12. Thebarricade of claim 9, wherein said inflatable, elongated chamber forms abarricade that is substantially circular or semi-circular incross-section when inflated.
 13. The barricade of claim 9, wherein saidinflatable chamber further includes a support frame attached thereto.14. The barricade of claim 13, wherein said support frame comprisescarbon fiber poles.
 15. The barricade of claim 9, further including asecond inflatable chamber connected to said barricade.
 16. A method ofcollecting snow on the ground, comprising: (a) positioning an inflatablechamber in a desired location; (b) securing said inflatable chamber tothe ground; (c) inflating said inflatable chamber; and (d) collectingsnow upon and around said inflatable chamber during a snowstorm.
 17. Themethod of claim 16, wherein snow is collected between two or moreinflatable chambers.
 18. The method of claim 16, additionally comprisingthe step of: (e) deflating and removing said inflatable chamber aftercollection of said snow.
 19. A ski slope barricade, comprising: (a) aninflatable chamber, (b) means for securing said inflatable chamber tosaid ski slope; and (c) a bank of snow substantially covering saidinflatable chamber.